Hotels near Avalon Airport, Melbourne

I booked the Novotel Geelong superior King room at $545, thinking that it would be a nice treat for my son and I, on a weekend away. The hotel is tired, and lobby is very ordinary. That however was the best part of the hotel. The room was a massive disappointment, looked onto a carpark, level 3 and terribly maintained, with filthy stained carpet. Marks on the walls, and a hole in the wall, the aircon duct was a health hazard covered in dust. They charge $40 a day parking, which on top of the price seems outrageous. Our aircon was not working, it was 27 degrees and outside a very mild 21. This wasn’t rectified, despite asking. No evidence of management overseeing running of the hotel. The staff seem overwhelmed and undertrained. The restaurant is well under standard. Decor was old and desperately in need of an upgrade. Like a run down office block. The service was terrible, staff asked twice for my room number. Ordered coffees on arrival, asked again if they were coming, then asked for take away, and they still didn’t arrive in the half in a hour we were there. I gave up waiting. Honestly the worst hotel experience I have had. For the price expectations were high. Extremely disappointing, and no idea how this place is still trading, just the location must save it.

Very clean with lots of facilities within the hotel. Bar, restaurant, swimming pool, gym. Located in the centre of downtown Geloong. Excellent breakfast choices. Very friendly and helpful staff. I was quite surprised because in UK our breakfast was breakfast from a vending machine at this chain but here they seem to take customer care to the next level. I had no faults my entire stay.

Room was very well designed, however in the bedroom part when the doors are closed no air conditioning could access making nights uncomfortable. But the most uncomfortable thing of all was the bed. A marshmallow bed gave me no support and therefore a sore back. Tried the couch one night was much more comfortable but then I started thinking about hygiene and thought I could get pink eye or something so begrudgingly went back to soft-as bed for more achy sleep.

The location was great. Could easily walk into Geelong and the waterfront. Plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Close to public transport. Plenty of parking onsite that is free. Room was clean and warm. Shower was nice. Bed was comfortable and warm. Plenty of storage in the room. Would definitely stay again. Didn’t try the restaurant.

After reading the reviews it sounded like the place had gone even further down than my previous review posted here four years ago. I was pleasantly surprised. Was allocated Room 21 and found it had been renovated recently. Repainted, new timber panelled ceiling, new blinds, new split system aircon, bathroom completely redone, new tiles and all new fittings. Cleanliness now of an acceptable standard, Having said that the place has inherent weaknesses. No handbasin, shelf or mirror in the bathroom, you use the sink in the kitchenette. Room 21 has no hanging space or storage, so one spreads your gear over the second bed or lives out of a suitcase. Generous supply of towels, all replaced. However they missed making my bed on the first night. I mentioned it to the manager and I noticed they changed all the linen the next day even though I had only slept in it two nights. There are other smaller rooms facing the main road with hanging space. I have no idea if these rooms have been upgraded. The handrails on the staircase to the upstairs rooms desperately needs new paint. The advertised complimentary breakfast no longer happens, because of Covid they say. The website advertising requires updating. All in all it looks like the place might be changing direction, there is still quite a way to go. The inherent weaknesses mean it will never be more than a cheap motel. Tariff was $120 per night during peak airshow time.